Christmas Recipes and Menus

This is an easy, elegant and delicious menu that will delight your family and guests. The dinner rolls can be made the day before. Alternately, they can be made several weeks ahead, wrapped in foil, placed in a freezer bag and frozen. The cheese ball can be made several days ahead and refrigerated. Make the cake the day before. On Christmas Eve, bring the cheese ball to room temperature before the guests arrive. The beef tenderloin and potatoes can be roasted in the same oven. If the green beans are not slender, make them a little ahead of time to ensure they get tender, then add the tomatoes a few minutes before serving. While the meat rests, make the sauce and reheat the dinner rolls. That is it. Relax and enjoy the festivities.

On Christmas Day, my mother always served a hearty breakfast after the presents were opened. She made a beautiful table setting using her red depression glass. Eventually, I took on the tradition. Like Mom, I change the menu on occasion, but the basics of eggs, meats and quick sweet breads remain. For this menu, the cranberry-orange nut bread can be made a couple days ahead and refrigerated, or several weeks ahead and frozen. Mix the sausage and shape the patties the day before and refrigerate. That morning, make the monkey bread. Rinse the fruit and berries and refrigerate. Make the eggs and grits. If necessary, keep them in a warm oven until serving. The juice cocktails can be made with or without a little gin or vodka. Serve whipped butter and cream cheese with the cranberry bread.

This is a simple, informal menu that can be prepared on or prior to the event, reheating dishes as needed. That is a plus for those who receive visitors at indefinite times because everyone is making the 'rounds' on Christmas Day. See the individual recipes for specifics. Whether you need both ham and turkey depends on the number of people you expect and personal taste. In my family, ham is traditional. You can use leftover turkey that is in the freezer from Thanksgiving, gently reheated in a little gravy or broth. Make cookies several weeks before Christmas so you have them for the entire season. The eggnog can be made several days ahead and served when needed. To make matters even easier, purchase festive paper plates and cups for serving. Sit back and enjoy the day. Merry Christmas!